CANDLEMAS - Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Candles and Commitment; Proclamation and Promises! We shared it all this morning through the exploration of two readings: Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 2: 22-40, and worship songs: Light of the World; Open our eyes, Lord; I the Lord of Sea and Sky; God is working his purpose out; and ending with Shine Jesus shine.

In the Old Testament we looked at Songs of Praise – Seraphim style!, and discussed together the meaning of the words holy and glory. We talked about Isaiah’s feeling of unworthiness but that God called him anyway – in spite of himself!

For the New Testament reading, we explored the Ancient Ceremonies (Presentation, Purification, and Redemption of the First-born) and Mary & Joseph’s obedience to them. We then went on to a Dream Realised (Simeon’s) and Anna’s faithfulness. We delved into the two schools of thought prevailing at the time, regarding the kind of Saviour for which people were searching, and examined the meaning of Simeon’s words about “falling and rising … opposition … and the sword that pierces”.

We ended up by looking at our own unworthiness and realised that if we waited until we felt ready – then we would never do anything! But we left with Obedience to God being our watchwords and our candles to remind us of our renewed commitment to Christ for the future.

Deacon Olivia

For Further Reflection

The religious ceremonies described in this week's reading would have cost Mary & Joseph a considerable amount of money. At the end of his life their son Jesus enters the same Temple precincts in a very different frame of mind:

Then Jesus entered the Temple and began throwing out the sellers, saying,

"Scripture says, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer'

- but you have made it a den of thieves !"

(Luke 19: 45/46)

Religious language and practises can very easily become oppressive. This is clearly what Jesus saw in much of the religious practises of his time. I wonder what he would say of those of our own time ?

Peter K